The answer to the question is surely yes. Just like his mother, Bilawal is an articulate, sophisticated graduate of Britain's Oxford University, and—at least so far—bears none of the taint of corruption that, real or not, so stains Asif Ali Zardari, the man who is both his father and the current president of Pakistan. Moreover, in the feudal politics of Pakistan, the Bhutto name carries huge weight, especially in populous Sindh province.

But the answer is also not quite yet. Bilawal is only 24, and cannot stand for election before his 25th birthday—which will be in September, some months after a general election which must be held by March. Just who will prosper is an open question, as The World in 2013 points out. What is almost certain is that the military will have a say. What is absolutely certain is that the election will involve both chaos and machination, not least in the efforts of the old guard politicians to blunt the rising popularity of Imran Khan (pictured), who has transformed himself from a cricketing star into a crusader against corruption (and, especially, against the government's acquiescence to American drone attacks on Pakistani Taliban).

Let's hope that Bilawal escapes the family curse. Not only was his mother murdered, but his grandfather, Zulfikar Ali, was executed—and, it could be added, one uncle, Mir Murtaza Bhutto (who was once responsible for an aircraft hijacking), was shot dead by the Pakistan police in 1996, and another uncle, Shahnawaz, died in mysterious circumstances in the south of France in 1985. Let's hope, too, that Pakistan, by many definitions a failing state, does not become a failed state.

It's them or the crazies, so let's be careful about the whole "people's government" thing. Pakistan would be much better off with an Oxford educated, liberal-minded but horribly inexperienced Bhutto child than with 95% of their current lower level politicians or anybody else who could win the popular vote. Unless you want Pakistan to slide even lower (yes, it's still possible to get worse than it is) into an Afghanistan or Somalia-like situation.

A contrarian example is the Oxford trained, Western educated, Medical Doctor and all-around pleasant charming guy who is the President of Syria. He was a novice political outsider with family connections thrust into national leadership and showed promise of a new dawn of liberal and rational leadership. The bridge builder between Islam and the West.

Ask people in Damascus what they think of Eye Doctor Bashar al-Assad...also known as the Butcher of the Levant.

The bhuttos have ruled Pakistan long enough. The revolution has begun. On 14 January over 4 million people will march from Lahore to Islamabad to form a national people's government. In order to reform the corrupt system. 2 Million people were at Lahore for the initial protest at Minar-e-Pakistan, Lahore.
All info on: nizambadlo.com, prolificrealist.com

The Pakistani Presidency is a family jewel passed among the Bhutto family.
And by necessity after his/her presidency is obligated to flee abroad for safety, preferably to a French chateau or other rich infidel nation.
Like Tolkien's Ring of Power it is all swell
--except that the Ring's Possessor and King tends to die a sudden violent death by execution.
They make the Kennedy Dynasty look like carnies.
__________________________
A Curse comes with the Blessing.
If there was a family crest, it would have a Target Sign.
It is unparalleled system of governance in the world....save for the Gandhi Family in India.
It is ironic that the whole Indian-Pakistani War Saga is in its essence, the feud between two families
--the Montagues and the Capulets.

" especially, against the government's acquiescence to American drone attacks on Pakistani Taliban"
Hmm. Makes it Sound like drones are some kind of drug that targets only Taliban. Obiviously it's not worth mentioning the Collateral damage, which includes even little children, since they not american or European.

This guy is not a Bhutto. Till age 21 he went by Bilawal Zardari. As soon as his brave mother passes away, his cunning and corrupt father with his usual political maneuvers "BESTOWS" the name Bhutto on him. The rightful rulers of Pakistan are its own people, this country has had enough of these two parties. He may have an Oxford degree but does he have what it takes to change a failing state, or is he depending again on his new last name thinking that it is going to magically set everything right. Sad politics of my country.

Billwal should bring in judicial reforms in Pakistan,which should be ahead of its times. The proceedings of courts should be telecast live. He should also bring in a right to information act,on the lines of the Freedom of Information Act,USA. A new law for litigants to protect them from corrupt judges,and non--application of the mind by judges,and accountability for judges is the need of the hour. We have seen in recent times,how judiciary in Pakistan made attempts to destabilise an elected government,wih the threat of contempt laws. Subjects like judicial transparency,judicial corruption,and accountability of judges,and litigants' rights and their protection from the judiciary should be taught in Pakistan's law schools. The website of Pakistan's Supreme Court has a code of conduct for judges,and it is missing in a country like India. But can an ordinary Pakistani enforce such a code of conduct,and it will be more useful if public views on courts' functioning should be put in the public domain. Talking of dynasty rule is futile,as it is prevalent in other parts of the countryf. If Bilawal could bring in code of conduct for politicians,and empower the people of Pakistan,then it will be a new beginning for Pakistan. Bilwal should also promote peace with Pakistan's neighbours,particularly India.

" especially, against the government's acquiescence to American drone attacks on Pakistani Taliban"
Hmm. Makes it Sound like drones are some kind of drug that targets only Taliban. Obiviously it's not worth mentioning the Collateral damage, which includes even little children, since they not american or European.

This Oxford Graduate is a welcome sign to a country which needs more of the same kind. Imran Khan is also an Oxford blue and he is as popular as the PPPs chairman Billwall. But the cronies and the shnanigans with both of these politicians specially the Mullahs and the fundos are going to spoil the broth.They better keep them at bay lest they get into a whirlpool and quagmire with them: then there is no cognitive freedom. They need a free approach to tackle the problems of the country.

oxford is not liberal firstly. He is not better he is a 24 year old head of tribe and ppp. Each want change in a systematic way. The revolution we want is to implement the constitution. The govt has stopped abiding by the constitution and we want to change that. The people have already set up a electoral reform commission to plan the change.

Best wishes to Ratan Tata on his retirement. His story is one of success and integrity. A man with a clear goal he has achieved far more than most people could ever imagine. He has had extraordinary success in being able to negotiate, communicate, influence, and persuade others to do things leading to the success that the Tata group is today. We admire you Sir.